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The NFL Draft is less than two weeks away, and because of that mock drafts are insanely popular right now. We are mentioning many of them and paying attention to as much as possible, and earlier this week CBS Sports' Chris Trapasso released a full seven-round mock draft, which is a very impressive feat and worth noting.
Here's what he had the Colts doing with their nine picks in the draft:
29 (1st round) - Landon Collins, SS, Alabama
UCLA's Eric Kendricks was an option here, but the Colts feel he's a much better fit as a 4-3 WLB than he is on the inside of their 3-4 base. Indianapolis got exemplary safety play from Sergio Brown and Mike Adamsa year ago, but Adams is in his mid-30's. This is a BPA selection.
61 (2nd round) - Benardrick McKinney, ILB, Mississippi State
The Colts viewed Landon Collins as the best player available (at somewhat of a need position) in Round 1, and they feel the same way with their situation in Round 2. McKinney is an ideal 3-4 inside linebacker and will learn from vet D'Qwell Jackson. The Bulldogs product is 6'4" and around 245 pounds with plenty of explosiveness. If he plays physical more routinely, he'll be a sturdy pro.
93 (3rd round) - Za'Darius Smith, EDGE, Kentucky
128 (4th round) - Arie Kouandjio, OG, Alabama
165 (5th round) - Tyler Varga, RB/FB, Yale
205 (6th round) - Ladarius Gunter, CB, Miami
207 (6th round) - Sean Hickey, OT/OG, Syracuse
244 (7th round) - Leterrius Walton, DL, Central Michigan
255 (7th round - compensatory pick) - Nick Marshall, CB, Auburn
In the first round, not only is it best player available for the Colts, it also addresses a major need, as the Colts need a long-term option at safety and could use help there this year as well. Landon Collins is the best safety in this draft class and, if he's still available when the Colts pick 29th overall, he'd be a very good selection for the team.
Then in the second round, the addition of Benardrick McKinney would be a very good pick as well for the Colts, as they need help at the inside linebacker position as well. Grabbing him in the second round would be a good pick. From there, Trapasso has the Colts addressing several other needs, such as pass rush, offensive line, running back, cornerback, and defensive line. This draft is a very need-based one, and it seems like a pretty good one for the Colts.
What are your thoughts on this mock draft?